Menu
24/09/2009
Use Of Police 'Defence' Spray In Focus
The use of incapacitant spray by Irish police officers is in the news today.
An Garda Síochána has published the Garda Commissioner's policy on the use of incapacitant spray.
The publication coincides with the phased deployment of and training in the use of incapacitant spray for members.
Training in the carriage and use of the spray commenced this week and is mandatory as only trained members will be authorised to carry and use the spray while on operational duty.
In October 2008 the Minister approved the Garda Commissioner's proposal to issue incapacitant spray to all operational members of An Garda Síochána.
This followed concerns about a marked increase in assaults and obstructions experienced by Gardaí in the course of their duty.
At that time the Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy (pictured) welcomed the Minister's approval saying that while members are trained to diffuse confrontation using a range of proportionate methods, it is important that where required and appropriate, members have access to incapacitant spray to ensure their own safety and that of others who may come to harm.
Now, the purpose of the policy document is to facilitate an understanding of the approach of An Garda Síochána to the use of incapacitant spray.
The policy emphasises their commitment to the protection of human rights and to the use of force only where non-violent means are ineffective and would expose officers and the public to a real risk of harm or injury.
"The fundamental principle underpinning the policy is that force is used as a last resort and the level and extent of the force used must be reasonable and proportionate to the circumstances," said a statement.
The full policy is available on www.garda.ie in the Publications section.
(BMcC/GK)
An Garda Síochána has published the Garda Commissioner's policy on the use of incapacitant spray.
The publication coincides with the phased deployment of and training in the use of incapacitant spray for members.
Training in the carriage and use of the spray commenced this week and is mandatory as only trained members will be authorised to carry and use the spray while on operational duty.
In October 2008 the Minister approved the Garda Commissioner's proposal to issue incapacitant spray to all operational members of An Garda Síochána.
This followed concerns about a marked increase in assaults and obstructions experienced by Gardaí in the course of their duty.
At that time the Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy (pictured) welcomed the Minister's approval saying that while members are trained to diffuse confrontation using a range of proportionate methods, it is important that where required and appropriate, members have access to incapacitant spray to ensure their own safety and that of others who may come to harm.
Now, the purpose of the policy document is to facilitate an understanding of the approach of An Garda Síochána to the use of incapacitant spray.
The policy emphasises their commitment to the protection of human rights and to the use of force only where non-violent means are ineffective and would expose officers and the public to a real risk of harm or injury.
"The fundamental principle underpinning the policy is that force is used as a last resort and the level and extent of the force used must be reasonable and proportionate to the circumstances," said a statement.
The full policy is available on www.garda.ie in the Publications section.
(BMcC/GK)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 March 2015
Garda Ombudsman To Investigate Pepper Spray Incident
Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission has confirmed it is investigating an alleged incident in which a garda officer used pepper spray on a handcuffed homeless man. The incident occurred last Friday on a busy street in Dublin city centre and was captured on a mobile phone video by a bystander.
Garda Ombudsman To Investigate Pepper Spray Incident
Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission has confirmed it is investigating an alleged incident in which a garda officer used pepper spray on a handcuffed homeless man. The incident occurred last Friday on a busy street in Dublin city centre and was captured on a mobile phone video by a bystander.
18 September 2013
Two Garda Officers Charged Over Alleged Pepper Spray Assault
Two gardaí officers are to face charges in connection with assaulting a teenager with pepper spray. It is reported that officers Brendan Dowling and Fiona Sheehan, with addresses care of Anglesea Street Garda Station, are charged with assault causing harm to a member of the public on Cook Street in the city centre on 12 May, 2012.
Two Garda Officers Charged Over Alleged Pepper Spray Assault
Two gardaí officers are to face charges in connection with assaulting a teenager with pepper spray. It is reported that officers Brendan Dowling and Fiona Sheehan, with addresses care of Anglesea Street Garda Station, are charged with assault causing harm to a member of the public on Cook Street in the city centre on 12 May, 2012.
23 October 2008
Gardaí Peppered With New Weapon
Following the introduction of Tazer stun guns, a new weapon is to be introduced into the Gardaí's armoury, with an announcement that officers are to be issued with pepper spray canisters. The move comes as the number of attacks on routinely unarmed officers continues to rise.
Gardaí Peppered With New Weapon
Following the introduction of Tazer stun guns, a new weapon is to be introduced into the Gardaí's armoury, with an announcement that officers are to be issued with pepper spray canisters. The move comes as the number of attacks on routinely unarmed officers continues to rise.
07 February 2020
Man Arrested In Connection With Weapons Seizure In Co Louth
Gardaí in Co Louth have arrested a man in connection with the seizure of guns and ammunition. The arrest and seizure was made during an intelligence-led search operation carried out early this morning. During the operation, garda seized a handgun, ammunition and other offensive weapons including a crossbow and pepper spray.
Man Arrested In Connection With Weapons Seizure In Co Louth
Gardaí in Co Louth have arrested a man in connection with the seizure of guns and ammunition. The arrest and seizure was made during an intelligence-led search operation carried out early this morning. During the operation, garda seized a handgun, ammunition and other offensive weapons including a crossbow and pepper spray.
16 March 2015
Investigation Launched Into Alleged Incident Between Garda And Homeless Man
An investigation has been launched into an alleged incident between a garda officer and a homeless man in Dublin on Friday. According to reports, at about 15:30 on Henry Street in the city centre, there was an altercation between an officer and a homeless man. During the incident, it is claimed that the man took the garda's can of pepper spray.
Investigation Launched Into Alleged Incident Between Garda And Homeless Man
An investigation has been launched into an alleged incident between a garda officer and a homeless man in Dublin on Friday. According to reports, at about 15:30 on Henry Street in the city centre, there was an altercation between an officer and a homeless man. During the incident, it is claimed that the man took the garda's can of pepper spray.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly cloudy start with scattered showers, the showers becoming more isolated and largely confined to the south this morning. Becoming brighter this afternoon, the best of any sunnier spells across northern counties. Northerly winds easing. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:A dry evening with late sunny spells and some long clear spells overnight. Becoming cloudier across the north towards dawn with a few showers possible. Touch of frost in south. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
